Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Indian government has strongly condemned the security breach during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom, denouncing the actions of pro-Khalistan protesters as “provocative activities” by separatists and extremists. The demonstration took place outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar was participating in a discussion on Wednesday.
India Condemns the Incident
The pro-Khalistan demonstrators, carrying flags and loudspeakers, chanted slogans while the Indian minister engaged in diplomatic talks inside the venue.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement following the security breach, emphasizing India’s expectation for the UK government to fulfill its diplomatic obligations.
“We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations,” the MEA stated.
Jaishankar Continues Diplomatic Engagements Despite Protests
Despite the disruption, Jaishankar proceeded with his scheduled diplomatic meetings, including discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and other senior leaders.
During a meeting with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday, Jaishankar addressed key issues such as talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and collaborative efforts to counter trafficking and extremism.
“A good meeting with Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP today in London. We discussed the flow of talent, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts in tackling trafficking and extremism,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Repeated Khalistani Disruptions in London
This is not the first time that pro-Khalistan extremists have staged protests in London.
• In January 2024, Khalistani groups demonstrated outside the Indian High Commission, attempting to provoke tensions.
• Recently, extremists stormed a cinema in Harrow, disrupting the screening of ‘Emergency’, a film starring BJP leader and actress Kangana Ranaut.
MEA Raises Concerns Over Anti-India Elements in the UK
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s concerns about these recurring incidents, stating that violent protests and intimidation tactics by anti-India elements must not be ignored.
“We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” he said.
Jaishankar Meets UK Prime Minister and Discusses India-UK Relations
During his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed key bilateral and global issues.
“Discussed taking forward our bilateral, economic cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. PM Starmer also shared the UK’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar said.
His UK visit is part of a larger diplomatic tour covering the UK and Ireland, where he is also engaging in discussions on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other strategic collaborations.
